Trap: meaning, definitions and examples

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trap

[træp ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in a physical sense

A device or enclosure designed to catch and retain animals, typically by allowing entry but not exit.

Synonyms

ambush, pitfall, snare.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
trap	Trap is used in general situations where something or someone is caught, usually implying a mechanism or setup, often used for animals or in a metaphorical sense for people being caught in a difficult situation. He set a trap to catch the mouse She felt like she was in a trap in her job, unable to move forward or quit
snare	Snare is typically used to describe a trap for catching animals, particularly using a loop of wire or rope. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a deceptive or tricky situation. He set a snare for the rabbits in the garden She was caught in the snare of her own lies
pitfall	Pitfall refers to a hidden danger or difficulty that can cause trouble or failure, often used in abstract or metaphorical contexts. One of the major pitfalls of starting a new business is the lack of market research Avoiding common pitfalls in software development can save time and resources
ambush	Ambush is used in situations where people or animals hide and wait to attack or catch someone unexpectedly. It often has a military or tactical connotation. The soldiers set up an ambush for the enemy convoy They were ambushed by a group of masked men while walking home

Examples of usage

They set up a trap to catch the mice in the house.
The hunter laid out traps in the forest to catch wild animals.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in a metaphorical sense

A situation in which someone is tricked or deceived.

Synonyms

deception, snare, trick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
trap	Use 'trap' when referring to a physical device or a situation set up to catch someone or something. The hunters set a trap to catch the wild animals. He walked right into their trap by revealing his secret plan.
trick	'Trick' is used for actions intended to deceive or fool someone, often for fun or to gain an advantage. She played a trick on her brother by hiding his keys. His trick led people to believe he was someone else.
deception	'Deception' is used to describe the act of making someone believe something that is not true, often for personal gain. Her charm and beauty were all part of the deception. The con artist’s deception cost the company thousands of dollars.
snare	'Snare' is typically used to describe a type of trap, often a rope or wire used to catch animals, but can also mean catching someone through trickery. The poachers set a snare in the forest. He fell into the snare of her lies.

Examples of usage

She fell into the trap of believing everything she heard.
Don't fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

to deceive or trick someone

To deceive or trick someone into doing something or into accepting a situation.

Synonyms

deceive, ensnare, trick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
trap	Used when someone is literally or figuratively caught in a situation from which it is hard to escape. The mouse was caught in a trap He felt trapped in a dead-end job
deceive	Employed when someone is intentionally misleading or lying to another person. It often has a strong negative connotation. She was deceived into believing he loved her The advertisement was meant to deceive customers
trick	Commonly used when someone is being fooled or misled, often in a playful or less serious manner. It can also be negative depending on the context. He played a trick on his friend She tricked her brother into doing her chores
ensnare	Used in situations where someone is caught or entangled in a difficult situation, often implying a sense of being trapped through trickery or manipulation. The hunter’s trap ensnared the rabbit He was ensnared by his own lies

Examples of usage

He trapped her into signing the contract.
She felt trapped in a situation she couldn't escape from.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'trap' comes from the late Middle English, derived from the Old English 'trapan', meaning to catch.
Rooted in Germanic origins, it shares connections with similar words in Dutch and German, signifying 'to catch' or 'to ensnare'.

Cultural Significance

In various cultures, traps have symbolized deception, often representing how appearances can be misleading.
This concept is often reflected in literature and film, portraying characters who fall into traps set by villains or adversaries.

Science

In wildlife research, traps are crucial for studying animal populations, helping scientists gather data for conservation efforts.
Traps are also used in chemistry and physics, such as ion traps, which help in manipulating charged particles for experiments.

Psychology

The ‘trap’ concept can metaphorically refer to psychological situations where individuals feel 'stuck' or unable to escape from harmful patterns.
The idea of a 'trap' is explored in behavioral psychology, often in the context of addiction or negative habits that are hard to break.

Pop Culture

In video games and movies, traps are frequently used as obstacles or challenges that protagonists must navigate or escape.
Trap music, a genre that originated in the southern United States, draws its name from drug dealing, metaphorically implying being 'caught' in a lifestyle.

Translations

Translations of the word "trap" in other languages:

🇵🇹 armadilha

🇮🇳 जाल

🇩🇪 Falle

🇮🇩 jebakan

🇺🇦 пастка

🇵🇱 pułapka

🇯🇵 罠

🇫🇷 piège

🇪🇸 trampa

🇹🇷 tuzak

🇰🇷 덫

🇸🇦 فخ

🇨🇿 past

🇸🇰 pasca

🇨🇳 陷阱

🇸🇮 past

🇮🇸 gildra

🇰🇿 қақпан

🇬🇪 ხაფანგი

🇦🇿 tələ

🇲🇽 trampa

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,179 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5176 vague
5177 metropolitan
5178 bigger
5179 trap
5180 incorporate
5181 jet
5182 chicken
...